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The Pentagon Papers Case. The New York Times & the Washington Post published articles based on copies of a top secret government study “ History of the United States Decision-Making Process on Vietnam Policy ” Government went to court to prevent them from publishing the material.
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The Pentagon Papers Case • The New York Times & the Washington Post published articles based on copies of a top secret government study • “History of the United States Decision-Making Process on Vietnam Policy” • Government went to court to prevent them from publishing the material
Government Arguments • The publication of the material violated espionage laws • The publication of these papers might result in irreparable harm to the nation and its ability to conduct foreign affairs
Newspaper Arguments • That the classification of government documents is a sham (they easily declassify when it is beneficial to them) • An injunction against the publication of the material was a violation of the First Amendment
The Outcome • The Supreme Court ruled in favor of The New York Times and the Washington Post • They were able to publish the Pentagon Papers • The government did not justify their request for a restraining order
Flag Burning • Texas vs. Johnson (1989) • A Texas man was arrested for burning an American flag in protest of Ronald Reagon’s policies • 1984 in Dallas • Supreme Court rules for Johnson • Flag desecration is a form of constitutionally protected speech
Additional Information • www.splc.org • www.firstamendmentcenter.org • www.freedomforum.org • www.billofrightsinstitute.org
Current issues involving freedom of the press • Leaks from government officials (Alexis, Hunter, Jacob, Madison) • Threats to national security (Donna, Ethan, Julia G., Christian) • Revealing reporters’sources (Katherine, Haley H., Gulan, Fareha) • Political bias (Allayna, Julia J., Brianna, Tori, Jackson) • Censorship during a time of war (Jason, Hannah, Tiana, Lauren) • Cameras in courtrooms (Kayla, Madeline, Makayla, Gabby) • Blogging/Online journalism (Sam, Parker, Josh, Sara, Megan)
Activity • Each person has a topic to research. • Eachperson will then locate a different article or video related to their topic. • Read the article/video and answer the following questions: • What is the source of the article/video? • Considering the source, is there any bias that may be present in the article/video? • Summarize the article/video. • Why is this topic important? • Be prepared to discuss your responses! You will also turn them in at the end of class.